Proposed rule brings UAS closer to commercial farm uses

Farmers finally have a set of proposed rules for using un­­manned aircraft systems (UAS) on their farms, a major step forward for an industry eager to use the machines to check on their crops and livestock.

The Federal Aviation Adminis­tration (FAA) last week proposed a set of safety regulations that would allow routine use of UAS, or drones, for commercial operations. Until now, UAS have been allowed to fly only for recreational purposes or with a permit.